After 12 years as Vice President of Administrative Services at Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Michael Bliss is retiring. Among other responsibilities, Bliss oversaw Human Resources and Student Employment, Materials Management, Financial Services, and Security Risk Management according to the BYUH website. Bliss graduated from BYU in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in business management and then earned an M.B.A. from the University of Alabama in 1973. He joined BYU’s management staff in 1999 as managing director in auxiliary services. Prior to his time at BYU, Bliss was key in implementing a $2 billion project for Micron Construction and their relocation to Utah. Bliss also served as a business manager at Duke University, according to BYUH Alumni Services. As he prepares to leave Laie, Bliss said, “I am very excited to retire and to undertake a new chapter in life. It has been a blessing to work here at BYU Hawaii. The people that have worked with me have been wonderful and have enriched my life.”Ivy Kahalepuna, senior administrative assistant to Bliss, said she will miss working alongside the departing VP. “He is very kind and thoughtful. If there was ever something I needed to take care of with my family, he was always willing to help.” Bliss further reflected on his 12 years at BYUH and said, “I know that I have grown from my experiences here and hope in some small way that I have contributed to the mission of this wonderful institution. While here, I have been privileged to witness the hand of the Lord as he moves his work forward. I will always hold this place in special remembrance.”BYUH has named Norman S. Black as Bliss’ replacement. Black has been with BYUH since 2011 as Director of Enterprise Information Systems. Before coming to Laie, he served for 10 years as a program manager for Lockheed Martin. Black also served as an officer in the Air Force, retiring with the rank of Major. Black served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Italy. Following his mission, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a master’s degree in Management of Computer Resources and Information Systems.“When I was working at Lockheed Martin I was high up on the corporate ladder, but I felt an impression to look at the church website and found an opening at BYUH,” said Black. Having moved around frequently throughout his career, he added, “Everywhere we were was were the Lord needed us. I am excited for the next adventure.”
Writer: Greg Erickson ~ Intern
